FYI - Changes on Humminbird 800 / 900 / 1100 series

[bb no longer in business]

This is just a heads up and may be "Old news" for some.. Humminbird has confirmed this information.

The Humminbird 899ci HD SI will ONLY come with the compact Si transducer (XNT-9-SI-180-T) and will not have the 800khz frequency. I've been told you can swap this transducer through Humminbirds exchange program, for the HDSI (XHS-9-HDSi-180-T) for $75.00 and this will give you the 83/200/455/800khz frequencies.

In addition, All 2014 units in the 800/900/1100 series will require the AS EC QDE ethernet adapter cable for ethernet networking.

Brian

[rnvinc]

Creative marketing to make the MSRP look lower in advertising...

Rickie

[Shellback]

Creative marketing to make the MSRP look lower in advertising...

Rickie

Or to make these units more affordable to the average fisherman. The 899 lists for less than the old 798. Sure wish I could have bought the bigger screen when I bought my 798. I get great 2D,DI and SI with my 998C using a compact SI ducer in my Jon boat. I don't think the average fisherman will miss the extra frequency. I never switch frequencies on my bigger boat with the HD ducer.

[Brn2fsh]

I think humminbird is trying to make the larger screens more affordable to the masses. Sure , to get the BEST images you might have to upgrade some hardware, but I think this is a good idea. On the subject of the bigger screens: but the largest you can afford- I have a 11 series on my console and everyone who fishes with me remarks about it. A few have gone out and bought their own. Now I'm saving for an 11 series for the bow.

[rnvinc]

Or to make these units more affordable to the average fisherman. The 899 lists for less than the old 798. Sure wish I could have bought the bigger screen when I bought my 798. I get great 2D,DI and SI with my 998C using a compact SI ducer in my Jon boat. I don't think the average fisherman will miss the extra frequency. I never switch frequencies on my bigger boat with the HD ducer.

Good point Ron...about affordability...

I'm just the opposite on frequency...I seldom use 455kHz...

I'd rather have the detail in the 800kHz ...

Rickie

[Shellback]

Thinking about the 2 different frequencies. I seem to remember asking about running my 998C on the compact transducer. One answer was it would only work on one frequency, then someone stated that it will work on both. Reason being that the frequency was developed in the unit and not the transducer. Anybody know for sure? If it's the unit, then the 899 won't be capable of 2 frequencies even if you get the HD transducer.

[genec]

Ron, you can use your Jon boat for a slay with all that snow now. You could pull Ronnie in it ,then she might like that stuff.Tell her hi.

[rnvinc]

Thinking about the 2 different frequencies. I seem to remember asking about running my 998C on the compact transducer. One answer was it would only work on one frequency, then someone stated that it will work on both. Reason being that the frequency was developed in the unit and not the transducer. Anybody know for sure? If it's the unit, then the 899 won't be capable of 2 frequencies even if you get the HD transducer.

The way I understand this is a 2 part scenario...

1. The unit has to be capable of transmitting "x" frequency...

2. The piezo(s) has to be designed to vibrate at "x" frequency...

So even tho the 899 can transmit the 455kHz and the 800kHz frequency...only the HDSI piezos are designed to vibrate at both the 455kHz and 800kHz frequencies...(whereas the Compact SI piezos are designed to only vibrate at the 455kHz frequency)...

Rickie

[Humminbird_Greg]

I’ve never tried this but you could try using the CSi transducer at the 800kHz frequency but it should not produce very good results. Just like using a bass speaker to make mid-range sounds – it will work but don’t expect great sound out of it!

Rickie is right: the unit has to be able to transmit and receive at the frequency and the transducer has to be designed to work at that frequency for best results.

[Don G]

Someone better be telling new buyers about this potential problem. Having owned a 898 before & liking it, I would be upset buying a 899 to find out it would not do the things the older model would do.